5.1 earthquake shakes much of western France, no damage reported

A moderate earthquake has hit western France, felt as far as Bordeaux in the south and Normandy in the north.

No damage has been reported so far, according to Col. Michael Bernier, spokesman for the national civil security service. He said it prompted concern in several regions because "so many people felt it."

The national seismic service says the epicentre of the 5.1 magnitude quake Friday morning was near the town of Bressuire. It shook a swath of France including the cities of Le Mans, Nantes, Rennes and Caen.

An earthquake of such magnitude is considered moderate but is relatively rare in France, home to many historic buildings that are not designed to withstand strong seismic activity.

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